Tag: UN ECOSOC

Interfaith dialogue : The critical point

On January 19, an interfaith dialogue with religious representatives from Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Hinduism discussed the role of religion in making a peaceful world. Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international NGO affiliated with the UN ECOSOC, held the 32nd interfaith dialogue in Bangkok.

“We talk about dialogues based on scriptures, which is very important part of peacebuilding to individual person. It is also important to understand that we have to build peace within ourselves first, the inner quality of person,” said Sathit Kumarn, president of Ramakrishna Vedanta Society of Thailand and advisor the National Legislative Assembly in Thailand.

Dialogue of Scriptures

In the meeting, the panel discussion was carried on. “The founder of religion (The Messenger) can’t teach from his own knowledge, they have to teach only from the will of the heaven which is revealed to them from God,” said Dr. Husni Hamad. Also, one pastor said “The founder of religion should not teach from his own knowledge but on the basis of the which the person has received from heaven.”

“What is required is to think about how to make people as human being and teach the values of human being. It can be establishing religious studies in schools and build programs regarding human development together with spiritual enhancement,” said Mr. Kumarn.

For Reunification of Korea

What the era is it now? North Korea is constantly threatening with nuclear weapons, and there are still wars everywhere around the world. Someone’s family dies, and those who survive are screaming. On November 25th, 1,200 social representatives gathered at the “1st Peace Conference of Religious Leaders in Southeastern and Southwestern Regions for the Reunification of Korea” Their purpose is to discuss spreading a culture of peace and preparing action plans for the peaceful unification of the two Koreas in Daegu Metropolitan City, South Korea. Although peaceful events are considered to be a good cause, it is easy to criticize them for being only symbolic. But No need to worry!

Practical and substantial HWPL

It is because HWPL which hosted this conference has been evaluated as a practical and substantial peace group. It is understandable even though you know a little bit about their movements. Chairman of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) which is under the UN ECOSOC and the organizer of this conference gave a message. Chairman Lee proposed the formation of a civil society network at the global level, as well as the legalization of the 10 Articles and 38 Clauses of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) and the World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Offices(WARP Office).

“We are one nation and one people. Why is it that we cannot step on our own land? I also cordially ask all citizens to become peace messengers to achieve international peace as a whole.” – Chairman Lee

Social & Religious leaders cryout

At the conference, Gi Woong Son, President of the Korea Institute for National Unification, advised that we should open the eyes and ears of the people in North Korea with the values of freedom, democracy, human rights and welfare. Emphasizing the role of civil society, he said “Consistent efforts for reaching North Koreans through humanitarian approaches including religion, culture, art, sports and the environment should be carried out. These areas can avoid transferability of capital misused for military capabilities of the North.”

Ven. Bup Ryun, chief priest at Kumdang Temple, pointed out that religious leaders are responsible for leading the work of peace and that one way of engaging in such a task is through HWPL’s World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) Offices which promote the collective peacebuilding efforts by religions. “Now is the timereligious leaders stand at the frontfor peace, a long-cherished wish of all humanity. The wall blocking religions will collapse as a result of our effortsof understanding based on a comparative study of religious scriptures.”

What a beautiful peace day!

In Fiji, the hibiscus is blooming at children’s hands. The hibiscus is the national flower of Fiji. Fiji is an island country in Melanesia. Fiji’s main attractions to tourists are white sandy beachesand aesthetically pleasing islands with all-year-round tropical weather. In peace education, children of Fiji stick flowers on the picture of the tank which symbolize war and conflict. Why? They wished for achieving peace in the world. Children don’t know nothing. They know it clearly. Maybe they know it better thanus, adults. “Peace is goodand war is bad.”Very simple. Maybe, we don’t need other things, social, economic and political issues, complex and chronic problems. We must keep our children’s heart.

“I think peace is having tolerance, respect and love each other. By loving each other and respecting each other we can find how we can stop fighting in the classroom too.” – Salemba, one of the students.

Peace education : DPCW Article 10

It is the reason why children can study peace. Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international NGO under the UN ECOSOC and UN DPI, held a peace event “Blooming Flowers of Cessation of War in Fiji” on October 24th at Yat Sen primary school of Suva in Fiji. This lesson really helps children and students understand each other. All of these things is from DPCW, which is an international law to cease the war. Article 10 of DPCW is “Spread a Culture of Peace” Recognizing the global threats posed by nuclear, HWPL International Law Peace Committee suggested the DCPW (Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War) on March 14, 2016.

“This was a step forwardto create peace enviroment among students. Teachers, we, have to use positive ways to create or maintain peace environmentin the classroom. I think peace activities hosted by HWPL like today is beneficial for students. We need to givethem reminding every now and then.” – Mrs. Chandra, a teacher of Yat sen primary school

WARP Summit 2017 : Road to Peace

In May 25, 2013 The Declaration of World Peace was proclaimed.

In Sep 16-19, 2014 World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) Summit

ln Sep 18-19, 2015 Convention on the Renunciation and Cessation of War and International Armed Conflicts

In Nov 12-13, 2015 Committee meeting convenes to draft the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War

In March 14, 2016 New international law was proclaimed by HWPL International Law Peace Committee(more info). It was called DPCW(Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War). (DPCW is here)

Now ‘Legislate peace campaign’! Since then, 705,000 signatures in more than 170 countries